Grants distributed to agri-based SMEs in Sindh

Dr. Jassim Taqui

DG Al-Bab Institute for Strategic Studies

Islamabad, December 1,  2021:   A matching grant distribution ceremony for the agri-based SMEs was held in Karachi on November 30, 2021, by Growth for Rural Advancement and Sustainable Progress (GRASP), a European Union-funded project designed to the uplift business potential of the horticulture and livestock SMEs in Sindh and Balochistan. GRASP is implemented by the International Trade Centre (ITC), which globally contributes to uplifting SMEs through gender mainstreaming, policy shift, access to finance, networking, capacity building, and product improvement programs.

GRASP provided a matching grant of around Rs. 18 million under its emergency response plan to 12 SMEs from Karachi, Thatta, and Khairpur. The size of the grant varies from Rs. 0.4 to Rs. 3 million based on the business plans shared by the SMEs and evaluation carried out by GRASP. The selected SMEs represent an economic mix of micro, small and medium enterprises, with the amount disbursed in one or two tranches, discussed, and agreed upon in their work plan.

Ms. Shabnam Baloch, Provincial Lead GRASP, highlighting the significance of the GRASP matching grants, said the scheme was initiated to mitigate the impacts triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic on the livestock and horticulture SMEs. That plan comprised of training, seed delivery, and cash grants distribution based on the surveys of the SMEs. KPMG and ITC, with the facilitation of the People Poverty Reduction Program (PPRP), a Government program being implemented by Sindh Rural Support Program (SRSO), jointly identified the most deserving businesses to distribute grants to, more than 50% of which are led by women entrepreneurs.

Syed Ahson Ali Shah, Partner KPMG-ESG, CCSR said that the matching grants would support date processing units, drip irrigation, solar tube-wells, shed construction, tunnel farming, nursery establishing, livestock rearing, etc.

Shortlisting of the grantees included a partnership with the UN agencies including UN-ITC, World Food Program, and FAO through leveraging upon their organizational resources to support the beneficiaries. Moreover, preference was given to progressive businesses that have shown innovative, smart, and competitive proposals. Matching grant support from GRASP will take further inputs of the other projects by Government and other development agencies.

CEO SRSO, Mr. Dittal Kalhoro said his organization has connected a huge range of agri-based men and women entrepreneurs to the financial institutions and market; this matching grant will further enhance their capacity to take those entrepreneurs to the next level of businesses in the market.

Dr. Shirin Narejo, Technical Coordinator Sindh Rural Support Program SRSO) distributed cheques among the matching grants beneficiaries of the village organizations (mostly women-led) from Thatta, Mirpur Sakro, Khairpur Mirs, and Karachi. Public-private partnerships such as this will focus on the economic empowerment of women, by providing support around environment-friendly horticulture and livestock practices. Dr. Narejo added that handholding via matching grants in particular of the women-led organization will improve value addition, productivity, and climate-resilience green technologies for the SMEs, strengthen their profiles, and lead them ahead through the trade-related capacity-building opportunities to increase market linkages.

GRASP has set a milestone with the completion of this activity, in line with its mandate of increasing competitiveness of the private sector SMEs through inculcating the good agriculture and manufacturing practices, innovation, climate-smart technologies, value addition, and marketing, being demonstrated by all the shortlisted SMEs.

 

 

 Message on Day of Remembrance For All Victims of Chemical Warfare

Dr. Jassim Taqui

DG Al-Bab Institute for Strategic Studies

Islamabad, November 30,  2021:   The UNSG His Excellency Antonio Gutters sends the following message on Day of Remembrance For All Victims of Chemical Warfare:

More than one hundred years after the first large-scale use of chemical weapons in battle, they continue to inflict terror, suffering, and death.

Recent years have seen the erosion of the taboo against chemical weapons, threatening the disarmament and non-proliferation regimes.

The use of chemical weapons anywhere, by anyone, under any circumstances, is intolerable and a serious violation of international law.

Impunity for their use is unacceptable.

There can be no justification for the use of these abhorrent weapons. We must remain united and determined in preventing their use, or the threat of their use. We cannot allow ourselves to become inured.

Those who use, or have used, chemical weapons must be identified and held accountable. That is the only way to meet our moral responsibility to the victims of chemical warfare.

The Day of Remembrance for all Victims of Chemical Warfare is an occasion to pay tribute to the victims of these inhumane weapons, to assess our progress in preventing any future use, and to renew our determination to eliminate them from our world.

Today, let us renew our unequivocal commitment to the Chemical Weapons Convention and our support to the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons.

Let us honor the victims of chemical warfare by pledging to consign these dreadful weapons to the pages of history.

 

 

 

 

U.S. Embassy Inaugurates Maker Lab at the National Library of Pakistan

Dr. Jassim Taqui

DG Al-Bab Institute for Strategic Studies

Islamabad, November 30,  2021:   U.S. Embassy Public Affairs Minister-Counselor Ray Castillo and Joint Secretary Muhammad Mureed Rahimoon of the National Heritage and Cultural Division inaugurated a “Maker Lab” within the Lincoln Reading Lounge at the National Library of Pakistan.  The space will serve as a tech lab that will provide young Pakistani inventors, entrepreneurs, and educators with the latest technology and resources to foster innovation.  Established by the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad in partnership with the National Library of Pakistan, the new Maker Lab is one of several tech labs in the 19 American Spaces in Pakistan. 

American Spaces in Pakistan conduct Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) programs that focus on teaching 21st-century technology like 3D design and printing, robotics, coding, and virtual reality.  By learning about technology and developing new skills, Pakistani innovators can come up with solutions to various real-world problems.  STEAM programs also allow participants to learn about the latest U.S. innovations in the field of science and technology.

Minister Counselor Castillo said: “The Maker Lab at the Lincoln Reading Lounge will be a substantial resource for young leaders seeking to hone their tech skills while deepening their relationship with the United States.”

Maker Lab staff will hold workshops on the use of 3D printers, 3D scanners, basic robotics, virtual reality headsets, coding, and circuits.  All activities and programs of the Maker Lab are free of charge and open to the public.  To make an appointment for a group to use the Maker Lab, please contact lrl.islamabad@lincolncorner.net. 

Lincoln Corners are partnerships between the Embassy of the United States of America and selected institutions in Pakistan.  Located within universities, public libraries, and cultural centers, Lincoln Corners are multi-media resource centers, where visitors can connect, practice their English, and learn about America in many different ways.  For more information about the Lincoln Corners, please visit our website: https://pk.usembassy.gov/education-culture/lincoln-corners-2/

 

 MESSAGE ON THE INTERNATIONAL DAY OF SOLIDARITY

WITH THE PALESTINIAN PEOPLE

Dr. Jassim Taqui

DG Al-Bab Institute for Strategic Studies

Islamabad, November 27,  2021:   The following is the message of UNSG His Excellency Antonio Gutters on the occasion of The International Day of Solidarity With The Palestinian People:  

On this International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, the situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territory -- including East Jerusalem -- continues to pose a significant challenge to international peace and security.  Persistent violations of the rights of Palestinians along with the expansion of settlements risk eroding the prospect of a two-State solution.  

 As the international community strives to re-start Israeli – Palestinian dialogue, I am encouraged by recent engagements between senior Israeli and Palestinian officials.  However, containing the situation is not sufficient.

The overall goal remains two states living side-by-side in peace and security, fulfilling the legitimate national aspirations of both peoples, with borders based on the 1967 lines and Jerusalem as the capital of both states.

I call on the parties to avoid unilateral steps that would undermine the chances for a peaceful resolution of the conflict based on international law and relevant United Nations resolutions.  I further call on the parties to engage constructively to end the closure of Gaza and improve the living conditions of all Palestinians under occupation.

 I commend the generous donors who support UNRWA and call for the Member States to provide timely and predictable funding to allow the Agency to conduct its vital work.

Together, let us reaffirm our unwavering commitment to the Palestinian people in their quest to achieve their inalienable rights and build a future of peace, justice, security, and dignity for both Palestinians and Israelis. 

 

 

 

 German Embassy organized a one-day Football Tournament for the 70^th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Germany and Pakistan

Dr. Jassim Taqui

DG Al-Bab Institute for Strategic Studies

Islamabad, November 26,  2021:    As part of celebrating 70 years of diplomatic ties between Germany and Pakistan, the German Embassy held a Football tournament in Islamabad for underprivileged children and teenagers from the area of Islamabad.

Eight mixed teams competed throughout the day in a format of 7 vs 7 with a rolling substitute. Equipment for the players was sponsored by forwarding Sports.

The German Chargé d’affaires, Dr. Phillip Deichmann, said

Germany and Pakistan have been enjoying a strong and stable friendship over the last 70 years. This friendship lives most vibrantly through people-to-people interactions – the most diverse, the better! This is why I am thrilled that today we can engage with young people, especially those who don’t usually get to enjoy the limelight and play some football. It is Germany’s national sport, after all, and today’s enthusiasm on the field shows me that it is also quite popular over here.

The Football tournament ended with an award ceremony and was followed by dinner for everyone involved.

 

 

 

U.S. Embassy Partners with Pakistani Women’s Rights Activist to Launch 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence Campaign

Dr. Jassim Taqui

DG Al-Bab Institute for Strategic Studies

Islamabad, November 25,  2021:    In honor of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence (GBV), the U.S. government, through the Public Affairs Section of the U.S. Embassy Islamabad, awarded a grant to women’s rights activist and social media influencer Kanwal Ahmed to produce two documentary short films on gender-based violence issues facing women in Pakistan. 

The 16 Days of Activism campaign will run from November 25 to December 10, and Ms. Ahmed’s documentary films will premiere on U.S. Embassy Islamabad social media platforms on November 25 and December 6.  Ms. Ahmed’s documentary films depict GBV victims as well as women who have dedicated their lives to assisting victims of GBV.  GBV continues to be an issue of serious concern in Pakistan and worldwide.  Preventing and responding to all forms of GBV is a cornerstone of the U.S. government’s commitment to promoting democracy, advancing human rights, and furthering gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls, in all their diversity. 

Filmmaker Kanwal Ahmed is the founder of Soul Sisters Pakistan, a women-only online space with membership from across Pakistan and South Asia, and a YouTube series “Conversations with Kanwal.”  To see Ms. Ahmed’s short films and follow our social media campaign for the 16 Days of Activism against GBV, please follow our Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram pages below.

https://www.facebook.com/pakistan.usembassy

https://twitter.com/usembislamabad

https://www.instagram.com/usembislamabad/

 

 

 

UNSG message on The International Day of the Elimination of Violence against Women and Girls

Dr. Jassim Taqui

DG Al-Bab Institute for Strategic Studies

Islamabad, November 24,  2021:   The following is the UNSG message marking the International Day of the Elimination of Violence against Women and Girls:

Violence against women and girls continues to be the most pervasive and pressing human rights issue in the world today.  

It is both an abhorrent crime and a public health emergency, with far-reaching consequences for millions of women and girls in every corner of the globe.

The latest figures from UN Women confirm that during the COVID-19 pandemic, levels of violence against women and girls have increased.

Across 13 countries, almost half of all women reported that they or a woman they know began to experience gender-based violence during the pandemic.

Almost a quarter of women reported that household conflicts had become more frequent. A similar proportion said they felt less safe at home.

Violence in any part of society affects us all. From the scars on the next generation to the weakening of the social fabric.

We can draw a straight line between violence against women, civil oppression, and violent conflict. From rape and sexual slavery used as tools of war to the thread of misogyny that runs through violent extremism.

But violence against women is not inevitable. The right policies and programs bring results.

That means comprehensive, long-term strategies that tackle the root causes of violence, protect the rights of women and girls, and promote strong and autonomous women’s rights movements.

This is the model that the United Nations has built through its partnership with the European Union, the Spotlight Initiative.

Last year, in partner countries, we saw a 22 percent increase in the prosecution of perpetrators. Eighty-four laws and policies were passed or strengthened. And more than 650,000 women and girls were able to access gender-based violence services, despite restrictions related to the pandemic.

Change is possible.

Now is the time to redouble our efforts so that together, we can eliminate violence against women and girls by 2030.

 

 

 

U.S. Embassy Islamabad Launches Next Set of Popular English Classes for 4,000 Students

Dr. Jassim Taqui

DG Al-Bab Institute for Strategic Studies

Islamabad, November 22,  2021:   In celebration of International Education Week, the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad’s Regional English Language Office is pleased to announce the next set of classes for the English Access Micro scholarship Program and the English for Workforce Development Program in Pakistan.

The English Access Micro scholarship Program (Access) is a global program that provides foundational English language skills to bright, economically disadvantaged students.  Access programs help participants develop English skills that improve professional and educational prospects.  Participants are also competitive for and often participate in future exchanges and study programs in the United States.  Since the program’s start in Pakistan in 2015, approximately 22,000 students in 16 different cities have participated.  Globally, approximately 200,000 students in over 85 countries have graduated from the program since its inception in 2004.

Through its 13 providers across Pakistan, the U.S. Embassy and Consulates are conducting Access classes that reach over 2,700 students in 16 different cities.  To overcome challenges related to the COVID-19 pandemic, the program has provided students with a tablet to take advantage of online learning while developing technological skills.  Classes for the two-year program will begin in November.

The English for Workforce Development in Pakistan, popularly known as English Works! improves English language skills of unemployed or under-employed youth from ages 17-25 while promoting the entrepreneurial and technical skills needed to increase employability.  The English Works! the program strengthens people-to-people relationships between the United States and Pakistan while improving the employability of Pakistani workers and creating a better educated and more skilled workforce.

English Works! classes are offered in 12 different cities and reach more than 1,200 students across Pakistan.  The program also provides students and teachers with tablets to leverage technology to make classes more effective and engaging and bolster students’ technical skills.  Classes for the six-month program began in August.

These important programs help not just students, but teachers as well, building the capacity of English teachers throughout Pakistan.  As teachers are critical to the success of any educational program, their professional development is a key component of these programs, ultimately contributing to a more empowered educational workforce.

 

 

 DAY OF REMEMBRANCE FOR

ROAD TRAFFIC VICTIMS

Dr. Jassim Taqui

DG Al-Bab Institute for Strategic Studies

Islamabad, November 19,  2021:  The following is the message of UNSG His Excellency Antonio Guterres on the occasion of the Day of remembrance for road traffic victims:

Every 24 seconds a life is cut short because of a road traffic collision.

The World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims is a time to reflect on the tragic deaths of millions of people.

This year’s theme highlights the importance of reducing traffic speeds to prevent death and serious injury – in particular of young women and men at the start of their adult lives, pedestrians, and other vulnerable road users such as children, older persons, and persons with disabilities.

I urge every country, company, and citizen to support local and global efforts to make roads safer, especially in low- and middle-income countries where more than 90 percent of the world’s road fatalities occur.  I also encourage all Member States to accede to United Nations road safety conventions and implement whole-of-society action plans – and urge all donors to scale up much-needed financial and technical contributions through the United Nations Road Safety Fund.

As we look ahead to next year’s High-level meeting of the UN General Assembly to improve road safety, let us remember that every one of us has a role to play in keeping roads safe.

Today and every day, let us commit to making roads safer for everyone, everywhere.

 

 

 

 U.S. GOVERNMENT CONTRIBUTES $7 MILLION TO ADDRESS COVID-19 EFFECTS IN PAKISTAN

Dr. Jassim Taqui

DG Al-Bab Institute for Strategic Studies

Islamabad, November 18,  2021:  The United States government, through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), will contribute $7 million to the Asian Development Bank’s (ADB) ongoing project to address the secondary effects of COVID-19 in Pakistan. 

USAID Mission Director Julie Koenen and ADB Country Director Yong Ye attended a signing ceremony yesterday in Islamabad.  ADB will use USAID’s $7 million contribution to providing cash grants to Pakistani families in need of financial assistance due to the pandemic.  The grants will be distributed through the Government of Pakistan’s Ehsaas Emergency Cash program managed by the Benazir Income Support Fund Program.  USAID’s funds also will provide technical and administrative support to ensure effectiveness, accountability, and transparency for the program beneficiaries.

Speaking at the ceremony, USAID Mission Director Koenen said, “Fighting this pandemic will take significant resources and an urgent, collective effort among governments, civil society, the private sector, philanthropists, multilateral organizations, and other international partners.”  She further added, “This contribution to ADB will support the Government of Pakistan’s efforts to implement the Ehsaas Program through the provision of direct cash grants to underprivileged Pakistani families affected by closures and work stoppages during the COVID-19 pandemic.”

The $7 million contributions to the ADB are part of an overall U.S. commitment to assist countries affected by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.  The United States has delivered more than $63 million in COVID-19 assistance through our partnership with the Pakistani government.  Since the start of the pandemic, the United States has worked together with Pakistan to improve infection prevention and control, enhance patient care, expand laboratory testing, and support frontline healthcare workers. 

 

 

 KSRELIEF SUPPORTS LIFESAVING WFP OPERATIONS IN JORDAN AND ‎PAKISTAN 

Dr. Jassim Taqui

DG Al-Bab Institute for Strategic Studies

Islamabad, November 18,  2021:  The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) welcomes a timely and generous contribution ‎of US$16.8 million from Saudi Arabia’s King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre (KSrelief) to assist ‎Syrian refugees in Jordan and to support nutrition programs for women and children in Pakistan.‎

The contribution, signed in Rome by WFP Executive Director David Beasley and KSrelief’s Supervisor-‎General, His Excellency Dr. Abdullah Al Rabeeah, comes as WFP struggles to secure funds to continue ‎support to some 465,000 vulnerable refugees in Jordan – most of them from Syria - and to assist more ‎than 66,000 of the most vulnerable children and women in Pakistan.‎

Out of the donation, US$12.8 million, will be allocated to help meet the monthly food needs of 112,000 ‎Syrian refugees living in camps in Jordan for four months; and US$ 4 million will support WFP’s nutrition ‎programs in 14 of the most vulnerable districts of Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Azad ‎Jammu Kashmir (AJK).‎

“Building on our long-lasting and strong partnership with WFP, KSrelief reconfirms its commitment to join ‎hands with WFP to address food insecurity and improve the health and living conditions of vulnerable ‎communities around the world. We understand that, now more than ever, it is our primary responsibility ‎to come together and increase our efforts, to deploy more impactful and long-lasting sustainable ‎solutions to fight hunger, restore dignity and provide hope,” said His Excellency Al Rabeeah, speaking ‎from Rome where he addressed the opening session of WFP’s Executive Board meeting. ‎

“The COVID-19 pandemic and its devastating economic fallout have pushed the most vulnerable ‎communities in Jordan and Pakistan deeper into poverty. Many of them are struggling to survive day-to-day. They cannot cope without assistance,” said Beasley. “We are grateful to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia ‎and its people for this contribution which will allow WFP to continue providing vital support where it is ‎needed most.”‎

In Jordan, the funds will enable WFP to continue providing monthly assistance to Syrian refugees living in ‎Zaatari, Azraq, and King Abdulla Park camps through food-restricted e-vouchers. These vouchers – ‎operated with blockchain technology – are loaded with 23 Jordanian Dinars (US$32.49) per person each ‎month enabling families to buy their choice of food at camp supermarkets and bakeries. ‎

In Pakistan, the contribution will ensure integrated and lifesaving nutrition services to more than 66,000 ‎acutely malnourished children under five and pregnant and lactating women as part of WFP’s ‎program for community-based management of acute malnutrition. The services will be carried ‎through the Government’s primary health care system, using 186 health facilities.‎

The contribution will ensure specialized nutritious food is provided for vulnerable women and children in ‎‎14 priority districts for one year. It will also strengthen the capacity to screen and treat ‎malnutrition in community health care facilities and enhance the preparedness and safety measures for ‎targeted programs to prevent malnutrition.‎

The strong partnership between WFP and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia goes back to 1973 and witnessed ‎a historic transformation with the establishment of KSrelief in 2015. WFP has been one of the center’s ‎strongest and most effective partners in addressing challenges caused by hunger, food insecurity, and ‎the devastating effects of malnutrition. Since its inception, KSrelief has contributed USD 1.23 billion to ‎WFP for food assistance programs in 24 countries. ‎